Lip problems with long-term blue tape use?

[Country4ever]

I've been using painter's blue tape on my mouth for several years now. It works great. But last year, I noticed a white line down the middle of my bottom lip.
Now recently, I've developed a tiny bump in the same place, that won't go away. I started wondering if its because I have that tape on for 8 hours every day. It seems like it might be a good place for yeast to grow under that tape, but it doesn't look like yeast.
Anyone else using the tape have anything like this happen to their lip?
Thanks.

[pap4life]

Although the blue painter's tape appears to be widely used as a mouth or lip sealer at night, long term use could have some toxic effect on the applied area. After all, it does have some type of chemical compound that is used as an adhesive. I wonder what the manufacture of the tape would have to say.. Maybe shoot off a letter to them.. I suggest a visit to the dermatologist.

[Country4ever]

Thanks pap4life,
I got a list of what is used in the tape when I first started using it, since I was concerned about anything toxic. It all looked pretty benign. I think I will see a dermatologist though. Now that I'm getting older, my skin is doing some funky stuff. I won't give up my tape though!

[Gerald]

Country....

I've been using #2080 3M 2" Blue for three or four years without problems. Recently 3M changed the part number to "2080-EL" (Edge Lock) and I suspect that the adhesive formula was changed...because it smells differently from the earlier edition.

I've been using the "Edge Lock" version for three or four months....zero problems....I love it.

As for contacting 3M, I wouldn't bother. Just use common sense....test.....experiment......and determine for yourself if your body chemistry doesn't like the stuff.

G

[NightMonkey]

I wonder what the manufacture of the tape would have to say.. Maybe shoot off a letter to them..

You will get a letter that contains in part:

This product, when used under reasonable conditions and in accordance with the 3M directions for use, should not present a health hazard. However, use or processing of the product in a manner not in accordance with the product's directions for use may affect the performance of the product and may present potential health and safety hazards.

This product is not intended for skin contact and skin contact should be avoided. Select and use gloves and/or protective clothing to prevent skin contact based on the results of an exposure assessment. Consult with your glove and/or protective clothing manufacturer for selection of appropriate compatible materials.

Skin contact will cause mechanical skin irritation. Signs/symptoms may include abrasion, redness, pain, and itching.

If product contacts skin wash affected area with soap and water. If signs/symptoms develop, get medical attention.

Use general dilution ventilation and/or local exhaust ventilation to control airborne exposures to below Occupational Exposure Limits. If ventilation is not adequate, use respiratory protection equipment.

http://www.c2f.com/msds/MMM-PaintersTape.pdf

But the tape is still much safer than sleep apnea.

[rosacer]

Country why you don't try the 3M Micropore surgical paper tape, here it's an exemple http://www.cascadehealthcaresolutions.c ... m?click=71. I have been using it.

[Country4ever]

Night Monkey........that's scary. I hadn't seen that warning about it before. That's very disconcerting.
I guess I'm going to have to go back to trying different chinstraps, but no matter now tight the chinstrap is, air can still get out the lips.

Rosacre....I have tried paper tape before, and it tears my skin. Maybe the 3M surgical tape is different. I'll check it out. Thanks!

[DennisG]

Country why you don't try the 3M Micropore surgical paper tape, here it's an exemple http://www.cascadehealthcaresolutions.c ... m?click=71. I have been using it.

That looks like the same tape that I used for a long time but sold under the "NexCare" brand.

I found the NexCare Gentle Paper Tape, 2" wide worked best for me.

You can get it at Walgreens: http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/nexcar ... 54-product

Obviously this tape is made for skin contact. Also, I used chapstick on my lips before putting the tape on to keep it from sticking to my lips (ouch!)

Good luck,
Dennis

[Country4ever]

Thanks Dennis,
I'll check that out at Walgreens. But even the 3M paper tape I was using, would pull my skin off. Not pleasant! If I would use lip balm, the tape would come off.......but I was using 1" tape. So maybe the lip balm would work okay if I went to 2" tape. Actually its my face skin that would pull off, and not my lips. Darn. I wish I knew for sure if the painter's tape was really bad. It works so well for me. I know that companies have to always give the very worst case scenario.......so sometimes its hard to know what to do.
I'm looking at that "ultimate chinstrap" mentioned here recently as maybe another alternative. I just don't want to feel wrapped up like a mummy!

[Gerald]

Country....

How do you remove the tape? Are you pulling straight away (perpendicular) from your face?

[Country4ever]

I pull it slowly with one hand while kind of leading my lips in the opposite direction with my other hand. Sometimes with the paper tape, I would dowse it with water first.

[Gerald]

Sorry, Country.....

But I'm simply unable to visualize in what direction you are pulling the tape in relation to your face.

Please describe the removal process again...so that I can better understand what you're doing.

I have zero problems during tape removal....and I'm trying to help you enjoy the same comfort level that I'm experiencing.

G

[rosacer]

Country, I read some people put magnesia Phillips (and let it dry) on the area where the tape will glue to. Because it reduces the capacity to adhere the tape is easier to take off. I put chapstick (only some times) on my lips, then I roll the lips inside (kind of) my mouth then I put the tape (only one inch) in the front of my mouth. This is enough for me to keep the mouth shut. Good success! Don't do that to the chickens...

[Country4ever]

Gerrard,
I pull it back on itself very slowly when taking it off. Its not perpendicular at all. I use my other hand to "tease" the lip tissue slowly away from the tape. I think my skin is just very fragile. My lips don't tear.....just the skin on my face or along the lip/skin line. I've noticed that older paper tape tears things more.
I love the painter's tape and it doesn't pull the skin off.......but now I'm worried about the possible toxins in it.....especially since it might get into my mouth.

[Country4ever]

Thanks for that tip rosacer.